Wintering birds have been the subject of numerous research projects in Belarus. This article presents the wintering birds of Belarus in their natural habitats and details their conservation status. You will learn about the Common and Rare species as well as their distribution in Belarus. You will also learn about the conservation status of some of the most threatened species. Once you have completed your research, you will be ready to go birding in Belarus! To get started, browse our interactive map to find out more about the birds of Belarus.
Wintering birds
The Pripyat River is the main free-flowing river of Belarus. In spring, the river floods over 12 kilometers, resembling a sea. Over 120,000 ruffs, or birdlike mammals with collars and tails, hover in the water. These birds migrate from Africa to tundra, and spend their winters in Belarus. You can claim a big prize from environmental organizations if you can spot one.
There are 352 species of birds in Belarus, grouped by taxonomic treatment, and ordered by family and order. These owls have distinctive feather patterns and colors, and they are best viewed during daytime. During the winter, you can also observe them during the day in fields, meadows, airports, and other open areas. The Short-eared Owl is the largest owl in the country, with a wingspan of 85-103 cm and yellow eyes.
This owl is the largest owl in Belarus, occupying rocky and mountainous habitats. Its territorial call is deeper and more prolonged than the female’s. Little Owls feed on insects and small mammals, although they sometimes prey on larger mammals. Their flight feathers are dark and barred, and they have a wingspan of one to 1.25 meters. Unlike other owls, the Eurasian Eagle Owl mate for life, and their winter habits are similar to their summers.
The Belorusian Aquatic Warblers are among the most common species of wintering birds in Belarus. The Belorusian Aquatic Warbler flies 7000-8000 kilometers in one direction, and returns to its home in the spring. Loons are also migratory, but their numbers are steadily declining. They often nest near water, and are the only birds in the country with such a large range.
Common birds
In the far west of Belarus, you’ll find a rare bird known as the barn owl. These creatures are sometimes called the ghost owl, the night owl, or the bird with a monkey’s face. In legends, they are the source of many strange events and can be spotted from a great distance. Their hoarse cry resembles the sounds of a woman’s cries.
Listed below are some common birds in Belarus. The largest group is the kinglet, which is a small bird with a distinctive pouch under the beak. They are members of the order Pelecaniformes and have four toes on each foot. In Belarus, there are two species. Another interesting group of passerines are the waxwings, which have distinctive red tips on their wing feathers, like the tip of a sealing wax. Waxwings are arboreal birds that live in northern forests and feed on insects and berries. There are 3 species worldwide.
Cormorants are common in Belarus and make their nests near ponds overgrown with cattails and reeds. The derbik and cheaglock are also common. The peregrine falcon is another important species in the country. These birds are known for their loud croak, making them easily recognizable in any landscape. The peregrine falcon is another common bird in Belarus.
The starlings are medium-sized passerines that eat insects and fruit. Their metallic colors and loud calls make them easy to spot in a crowd. Belarus is home to two species of starlings, namely the common European and the common North American species. These birds are very gregarious and love to be around humans. And if you’re looking for a species of starling in Belarus, you’ll find the smallest ones.
Rare birds
The number of rare birds in Belarus has decreased dramatically in recent years, and recent sightings of Mediterranean gulls in Minsk were particularly noteworthy. They have been nesting on the roof of a factory in the city for several years. The birds are also rare in other locations, with only two sighted at the Sinilo treatment facilities and Trostenetskaya landfill. However, this does not mean that the country is devoid of these fascinating birds.
Despite the fact that Belarus is devoid of any mountains and seas, it is home to more than 20 species of rare birds. While there are few other places where you can find these animals, there are still numerous opportunities for birdwatching in Belarus. Among these species are the azure tit, the great gray owl, the terek sandpiper, and the aquatic warbler.
These unusual birds are also found in the country’s national parks. Several national parks in Belarus have protected areas for dangerous animals. There are over 75 species of mammals in the country. The only poisonous snake found in Belarus is the viper, which has a triangular dark head. In contrast, most other species of snakes live in Belarus, so you may be able to spot them easily by looking at their coloration.
While the rest of Belarus is known for its abundant wildlife, some parts of the country are particularly well-suited to birdwatching. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is the country’s highest conservation status, and it features a fifteen-meter observation tower. Here, you can spot the aquatic warbler that migrates 20,000 kilometers from Africa to Belarus. The reserve is located just outside Minsk, and is an easy drive from the capital city. Other species you may see include black grouses, little gulls, whiskered terns, and great snipe.
Conservation status
The population trends of birds in Belarus have been studied by biologists for over 20 years. In fact, more than half of the breeding bird species in Belarus are considered endangered. The report highlights the state of conservation of birds in Belarus and the ways to protect them. A total of 51 important bird areas in Belarus have been identified and assessed. The list of species in each IBA includes its scientific and common names. Each bird’s range is described and tagged to help scientists identify which habitats are important for the species.
The APB is a member of the BirdLife International partnership. It is the most reliable and effective partner on UNDP and GEF projects in Belarus. The organization has close to 2,000 members and is the largest and most effective nature conservation NGO in the country. It is a membership-based organization with 12 regional and district branches in each of the six regions of the country. Its recent work in fen mires has been funded by UNDP, the RSPB, the Michael Otto Foundation, the Darwin Initiative and the Ministry of Environment of Belarus.
The Jelnia bog in NW Belarus is one of the few remaining wet grasslands in Europe. It is Europe’s only Globally Threatened songbird, and its breeding population is believed to be confined to Belarus and four other countries. The current war in the Ukraine threatens its habitat and may affect the survival of the species. Despite these challenges, the two countries have worked together to preserve this important area.
Nesting sites
The state of Belarus, located on the eastern border of Russia and the European Union, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Although the country lacks mountains and seas, it is home to a wide variety of birds, including 20 species that are considered to be endemic. Some of these species are not widely known, but they include such species as the azure tit, great gray owl, terek sandpiper, and aquatic warbler.
The second-most prominent place for aquatic warblers is the Sporovsky reserve in the country. Here, you can find 9% of the aquatic warbler’s global population and the highest concentration of breeding sites in the world. Local bogs are also home to rare and endangered bird species. You can also find many other types of birds in Belarus. Here, you can take a closer look at some of these unique creatures.
If you’re lucky, you can also go birdwatching in winter in Belarus. There are many places outside of Minsk where you can see thousands of birds huddled together. Some species of birds only migrate to Belarus in winter, while others use it as a warm-weather home. Some of the most common winter birds in Belarus are the horned lark, snow bunting, and lapland bunting.
Little Owls are another bird you can watch in Belarus. This owl lives in rocky and mountainous areas. They use high rocky areas for their nesting and for cover. Their diet consists primarily of small mammals, but occasionally eats larger mammals. Despite its name, the Eurasian Eagle Owl is one of the country’s most endangered birds. Its nesting sites in Belarus are at risk from human activities.
John is passionate about discovering the beautiful birds of the globe. He is researching & sharing the best birds of all countries that he can find to share his passion & hobby with the world.
